Help your wardrobe make 'net' profits

Net is one of the sexiest fabrics ever. No wonder it has made its way to lehengas and sarees. Net is capable of holding heavy embroidered work and embellishments, thereby enhancing the look of lehengas and the allure of cholis too.

Designer Archana Kochhar says, “When you have a solid coloured outfit, a sheer layer of net over it can make it look not only elegant, but really chic. A simple net saree with intricate detailing looks great on Indian women. Cholis today have a lot of net as women prefer having the fabric incorporated on the back or shoulders.”

Net has recently gained popularity in Indian clothing. As it is translucent, it adds to the sensuality of the garment. Apart from that, it is a soft fabric that drapes well in Indian clothing like floor-length anarkalis and sarees.

Placement is important in bringing out the best in the fabric. Net can be stitched on sleeves, on the back and along the midriff. Embroidery and threadwork and stone embellishment on net accentuates the look and draws attention to the outfit.

Sonaakshi Raj, designer, says: “The see-through quality of net enhances the look. A contrast colour lining under the net material creates the necessary drama in the outfit. Net is available in deep, light and neon colours. Shaded colours from a dark to light palette or the ones in the same colour family are favoured when creating a garment.”

In western wear, net — being a soft fabric — can be layered in gowns. Pret-wear dresses and blousons can have neck, shoulder and back highlights of net material.
Net is also used in shorts and skirts to alter the length of the lining and draw attention to the outfit.

According to designer Daniel Syeim, “Net is used to add volume to an outfit. It can be used on the sleeves as well as along the neckline. In Indian clothing, net sarees are extremely popular. We also see them used as dupattas in salwar kameezes. I like to use net to create drama in dresses by combining it with lace and embroidery.”

The best part, say designers, is that net suits all body types. But anything in excess spoils the look of the outfit. Hence just the right amount of net, thoughtfully sewed in, can transform an outfit.